Collapsible insulated container

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a collapsible insulative container including a shell having at least one sidewall, a bottom, and a top, where the container is biased toward an operative position wherein the open top is distanced from the bottom to provide an interior defined by the shell. The container further includes a spring that provides the bias urging the container toward the operative position. A liner extends from the shell into the interior defined by the shell to define, in said operative position, a container volume for storing items. In the operative position, air space exists between the shell and the liner. The bias of the spring may be countered to collapse the container from the operative position to a collapsed position to facilitate storage of the container when not in use. Venting means is provided to allow the air to exit and fill the air space when the container is collapsed or moves to the operative position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Utility(Non-Provisional) patent application Ser. No. 10/042,040 filed on Oct.19, 2001, entitled “Collapsible Insulated Container”, claiming thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/311,775,entitled “Collapsible Insulated Container”, filed on Aug. 10, 2001, andthe specifications thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to collapsible containersand, more particularly, relates to collapsible insulated containershaving a biased open operative position, wherein the container can storeitems, and a collapsed or stored position, wherein the collapsiblecontainer occupies less space so as to facilitate storage ortransportation of the empty container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Collapsible containers are generally known in the art. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 216,227 to C. Sedgwick teaches a collapsibledrinking cup, which is an open container in which a rubber body isattached to a spiral-wound spring frame. The cup can be collapsed andhas a rubber band attached to the top of the frame to hold it in itsflat, collapsed state. U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,241 to M. Zoland discloses acollapsible bag, such as a suitcase, in which a metal frame allows thebag to be collapsed. As the article is collapsed, a resilient elementattached to the frame and is stretched, such that when the forcesholding the article in the collapsed state are released, the resilientelement will draw the metal frame back into an open position. U.S. Pat.No. 3,480,059 to W. P. Schoening teaches a collapsible receptacle forlarge quantities which includes a helical reinforcement made either of ametal band or other strong plastic band or rope reinforcing a sidecover. U.S. Pat. No. 1,583,083 to J. Macaraig teaches a collapsiblereceptacle in which the outer casing of the bag is a coil spring whichis arranged to support the bag in open or partially open position and isheld in place by means of stitching between the outer casing of the bagand the lining. U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,983 to C. C. Chen teaches acollapsible garbage receptacle having a collapsible springy receptaclebody connected between the base and the annular top cover frame in whicha plurality of spring ribs connected between the top metal ring and thebottom metal ring, arranged in such a manner that the collapsiblespringy receptacle body is collapsed when the metal top ring and bottomring are twisted and attached to each other.

[0004] Insulated containers are also known, such as U.S. Pat. No.4,537,313, which teaches a multilayered soft-sided insulated container.Because it has a soft construction, it can be compressed for storagewhen empty, but it has no means to keep it in an open or closedposition. An example of a collapsible insulated container is U.S. Pat.No. 5,913,448 to Mann et al., which teaches a collapsible insulatedcontainer for temporarily storing cold items. The walls of the containerare attached to the top and bottom of the container and are expandableand collapsible because they are constructed as a bellows-type wall,which includes pleats for that purpose. The walls of the container caninclude an outer wall and an interior wall, which is a flexible,water-resistant material that has insulating properties and expands andcollapses due to its flexibility because it crumples when the containeris collapsed, and stretches back when the container is expanded. Inaddition, the container walls are biased in open position by the use ofat least two opposed springs, which are attached to the top and bottomwalls of the container. The springs are v-shaped, attached to the topand bottom, and are free to move inside the interior and exterior walls.Finally, a strap passes through the top to hold the top in variouspositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a relatively simple collapsibleinsulated container, which will remain in an upright open position foruse, while being easily compressed and stored when empty and not in use.The collapsible insulated container of the present invention includes atop, a bottom and a side wall(s) or shell biased into an operativeposition by at least one spring. Depending upon the shape of thecontainer, the sidewall can be singular, as is the case with acylindrical container. Alternatively, there could be multiple side wallsas would be the case if the shape was cube-like or had four generallyrectangular side walls. A liner can be disposed within the interior ofthe shell, and the combination of the shell and the liner form asubstantially sealed air space between the shell and the liner andprovides the container with insulative characteristic. The insulativecharacteristics can be enhanced by the use of other insulating materialsor by the use of temperature aids. The bias of the at least one springcounters the tendency of the container to collapse and keeps thecontainer from going from its operative position to a collapsedposition. But, when desired, the container can be easily collapsed forstorage or transportation when it is empty. A vent or opening can beprovided, preferably in the side wall, to allow air, in the spacebetween the sidewall and the liner, in and out of the space.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a collapsibleinsulative container including a soft or flexible top, a soft orflexible bottom, at least one soft or flexible side wall, and aninterior liner, wherein the container is biased toward an open operativeposition. Alternatively, the container could have a rigid bottom, arigid top or combinations thereof. The container further includes one ormore springs that provide the bias to urge the container toward theoperative position. In one preferred embodiment, the bias is provided byone continuous spring. The spring can be affixed to the side wall, tothe liner, r may be allowed to float free between the side wall and theliner, or may be affixed to the top and bottom of the container and movewithin the side wall and the liner. The liner is preferably made of acontinuous waterproof material and extends from the top into theinterior defined by the shell to define, in said operative position, theinterior of the container for storing items. Thus, the liner defines theinterior of the container and covers the side wall(s) and the bottom ofthe container. A substantially sealed air space exists between the sidewalls and the liner. Preferably, a vent means, such as small opening inthe side wall, is provided which allow the air in the space to exit whenthe container is collapsed and to fill the space when the container isreturned to it open or operative position. The trapped air therein helpsto provide the container with insulative properties. Insulatingmaterials may also be included in the air space to further enhance theinsulative properties of the collapsible container.

[0007] The bias of the at least one spring may be countered to collapsethe container from the operative position to a collapsed position tofacilitate storage of the container. Releasable means, such astie-downs, are provided to keep the container in the collapsed position.The materials chosen for the shell and line help to provide thecontainer with insulative properties. The top of the container alsoincludes a lid releasably held on the top for further defining thecontainer in the operative position and allowing the container to beclosed when in use. Additionally, the container may include one or morehandles to make the collapsible insulative container readily portable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred collapsible containeraccording to the present invention;

[0009]FIG. 2 is an elevational view, in partial cross-section, of thecollapsible container of FIG. 1;

[0010]FIGS. 3 and 4 show alternative design choices for the springelement of collapsible container according to the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 5 is an elevational view, in partial section, of oneembodiment of the container of FIG. 1 in its collapsed position;

[0012]FIG. 6 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of thecontainer of FIG. 1 in its collapsed position;

[0013]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a collapsible container accordingto the present invention having an alternative shape; and

[0014]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a collapsible container ofalternate shape, and employing an alternate spring design.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Referring now to the perspective and partial cross-sectionalviews of FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that a collapsible insulativecontainer, according to the present invention, is designated generallyby the numeral 10. Collapsible container 10 includes a shell 12 having abottom 14, and a top 16, and at least one sidewall 18, which is formedof a non-rigid or flexible material so as to allow container 10 tocollapse as will be described herein. Top 16 is preferably an open top,which is shown as an annulus which can be closed by a lid or cover 36,which is removably attached to top 16 by a means for closing the lidsuch as the zipper 38 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As can be appreciated, top16 appears as a continuous extension of sidewall 18. In the presentillustration, the zipper 38 is attached, such as by sewing, to the topof sidewall 18, to create top 16. This creates and opening in thecontainer which can be closed by a lid. But, the structure could bedifferent, such as by creating a lip in which the top extends radiallyinward from sidewall 18 to provide a surface which will allow for a sealbetween top 16 and the lid. For the purposes of this application, theterm “annulus” is intended to include circular designs, as well as othergeometries, such as rectangular. Thus, top 16 preferably will be an opentop, which is closed with a lid, although it is not limited to aparticular shape.

[0016] Bottom 14 may be opened or closed, and is preferably closed toprovide a support surface for the container, improving structuralintegrity and insulative properties, which will be discussed more fullybelow. Alternatively, bottom 14 may be open and may selectivelycommunicate with an associated lid, as discussed more fully hereinbelowwith respect to top 16 and its associated cover or lid 36. Container 10is shown as being cylindrical, although the present invention is not tobe limited thereto or thereby. Alternative shapes are also contemplatedand discussed at a later point. Further, top 16, lid 36, and/or bottom14 could be made from rigid or semi-rigid materials. The presentinvention does not rely on top, lid or bottom being rigid, and so in onepreferred embodiment these can be made from flexible materials, but asnoted they could be rigid either individually or in variouscombinations.

[0017] Spring 20 extends between bottom 14 and open top 16 such thatthese elements are biased away from each other and sidewall 18 isstretched to its maximum height. Thus, under the bias of spring 20,shell 12 defines an interior between bottom 14, top 16, and sidewall 18.Spring 20 is shown as a single spring in FIGS. 1-4, but, as can beappreciated, for tall containers, it may be desirable to achieve alonger spring by placing a series of springs end to end to achieve theappropriate length. The springs could be secured end to end orappropriate means for holding each spring in position could be employed.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 3, showing an alternative embodiment forthe provision of spring 20, it can be seen that bottom 14 may beprovided with rigidity and enhanced structural integrity by theprovision of a bottom ring or plate 22 communicating with spring 20. Aring would be employed when the open bottom 14 is desired, while a platemight be employed when the container employs a closed bottom 14,although a ring could be employed even if a closed bottom was employedsince the bottom ring could be covered with a layer of flexible or rigidmaterial. Likewise, top 16 may be provided with rigidity and structuralintegrity by employing a top ring or annulus 24, and a removable ortemporarily attachable lid or cover. With the lid open, the interior ofthe container can be accessed. These rings and/or plates can be madefrom any suitable, strong material that would lend strength to container10 as a whole. Ring/plate 22 may also be provided for cosmetic reasonsand/or insulative purposes. For example, ring/plate 22 may be made frommaterials typically employed in coolers as known in the art, such asmetals or rigid resilient plastics. Spring 20, as can be seen, wouldattach between bottom ring/plate 22 and top ring 24. Referring now toFIG. 4, however, it can be seen that bottom ring/plate 22 and top ring24 need not be employed inasmuch as spring 20 may be designed to extendaround the entire dimensions of bottom 14 and open top 16 and therebyprovide the same with suitable strength. Further, as seen in FIG. 4,spring 20 can be spiral-wound in a generally helical shape. Stillfurther, the spring need not be a continuous spring, as is shown in FIG.4, but could be, for example, rings connected by spiral ribs or springywires which allow the rings to be twisted and pushed towards each other.This, in turn, would allow a container to be constructed that wouldcollapse when the top and bottom were pushed toward one another. As usedherein, the terms “spiral-wound” and “helical” are not limited tocircular or cylindrical, and are intended to include other shapes andgeometries, including rectangles, ovals, hexagons, octagons, and thelike.

[0019] With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, shell 12 is, in oneembodiment, preferably affixed to spring 20 by having an appropriatesleeve 26 therein extending from bottom 14 to top 16 along the surfaceof sidewall 18. In this embodiment, the sleeve 26 can serve to hold thespring in place on the outside of the sidewall, while also providing anesthetic treatment since it serves to cover the spring that wouldotherwise be exposed. Further, spring 20 need not be attached tosidewall 18. Spring 20 could be attached to the liner inside of thecontainer, could be allowed to float freely between the sidewall and theliner, or could be attached to top 16 and bottom 14 and not be attachedto either the sidewall or a liner. Preferably, sleeve 26 is provided toincrease the structural integrity of container 10. Although sleeve 26 isshown here as extending along the exterior surface of sidewall 18, itwill be appreciated that it may alternatively extend along the interiorsurface or be completely absent.

[0020] Liner 28 is provided interiorly of the at least one sidewall 18to provide container volume 30 for storing items. Liner 28 is preferablyaffixed to top 16, of shell 12, or it may be integral with shell 12(i.e., sealed or otherwise permanently affixed to shell 12). It is, inone embodiment, preferably removable by an appropriate fastener 32,which, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, is a zipper fastener32. An air space 34 exists between the interior of shell 12 and theexterior of liner 28. Air space 34 is desirable for insulativeapplications for which the present invention is particularly suited andpreferred. That is, air space 34 between liner 28 and sidewall 18 andbottom 14 helps to insulate whatever items may be placed in containervolume 30. Because airspace 34 is to serve to provide insulativeproperties, it should be “substantially sealed,” which is to mean thatthe ingress and egress of air into and out of air space 34 is restrictedand controlled such that the insulative characteristic is realized.Various materials can be chosen to help create this desirablesubstantially sealed environment.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, air space 34 is createdby having liner 28 fit loosely within shell 12. That is, liner 28 isattached only to top 16 and is free to float in the interior of thecontainer. Liner is a continuous piece of flexible material, which willconform to the interior shape of the container, although not exactly tothe shape of the interior. This shape will create many wrinkles and,thus, randomly spaced and positioned air pockets. However, it should beappreciated that liner 28 could be provided as having slightly smallerdimensions then shell 12, in which case a more well-defined air space 34would be provided having a volume that is the difference between thevolume of the outer shell 12 and the inner liner 28. Due to itsfunctional capabilities and ease of manufacture, the aforementioneddesign providing more random air pockets is preferred and shown inrelevant Figures.

[0022] During the collapse of container 10, air is substantially trappedin the aforementioned air space 34 between liner 28 and shell 12. Thus,as shown in FIG. 2, shell 12 and/or liner 26 are preferably providedwith air vents, such as holes 42, preferably fixed with grommets (notshown) that allow air to escape upon the collapse of container 10 fromthe operative position to the collapsed position. Alternatively, thevent holes could be provided in the top or the bottom of the container.The preferred location of the holes is in the upper third or the shell12, with the holes being located near where the shell joins the top 16.The size, location, and number of the holes are not critical. What isimportant is that they are large enough, numerous enough, and located sothat the air in space 34 is allowed to exit when the container iscollapsed and to enter when the collapsed container is allowed to returnto its open operative position.

[0023] Collapsible containers 10 of this invention could advantageouslybe fitted with temperature aids such as heating or cooling elements. Forinstance, air space 34 could receive a cold pack, which is commonlyknown in the art for keeping items within a cooler cold. Preferably,bottom 14 could be made to be selectively opened and closed such thatthis portion of air space 34 could be readily accessed and filled withsuch a cold pack. Alternatively, a cold pack could be built into thatportion of collapsible container 10 that lies between liner 28 andbottom 14. Another alternative would be to make the shell 18 of amaterial that was both flexible and which would function as a cold packwhen placed in a freezer. For example, the shell could be have a coatingof spots of material which could be frozen and which would keep colditems in the interior of the container cold as well. Of course, in suchthese embodiments, the container would have to be placed in a freezer tore-freeze the cold pack. Such cooling elements need not be placed in theair space 34, but could also be placed adjacent thereto or even withinthe material of the shell 12 or liner 28. They could also be operativelyassociated with ring or plate 22 or ring 24, if such structures areemployed. Other temperature aids would include cooling fans which couldbe placed, for example, in the lid or the use of convection devices forheating or cooling. Heating elements could also be used in a similarmanner and, in other embodiments, a heating element could be configuredinto air space 34 or otherwise adjacent to liner 28 or placed in bottom14 or lid 36. For instance, a thermoelectric device could be fitted to acollapsible container, such as those operated by a car's auxiliary poweroutlet or “cigarette lighter” receptacle. It will be appreciated thatvarious temperature aids could be employed in accordance with thegeneral teaching hereinabove, and the present invention is not to belimited to or by and particular device for supplying a cooling orheating operation in a collapsible container.

[0024] Although the air trapped within air space 34 provides insulativeproperties, it may be desirable to provide additional insulationmaterial other than air in air space 34. The concept of employing suchinsulation material is represented in FIG. 2 at numeral 35. By way ofnon-limiting example, insulation material 35 may be selected frombatting-type insulation, open or closed cell plastic foam, insulatingfabrics, such as needled non-woven fabrics, and the like. Such materialcould additionally be bonded to line 28 and/or shell 12.

[0025] Although not a necessary item, it is preferred that container 10include a cover or lid 36, which is appropriately shaped to communicatewith open top 16 to selectively seal off container volume 30. The lidalso provides additional insulation for the container. Lid 36 providesan opening in top 16 and is removably attached to through an appropriatefastener 38, which, in FIG. 1, is a zipper. The present invention is notto be limited thereto or thereby.

[0026] Alternative lids would include those held on by snaps, hook andloop fasteners, pressure, or other fasteners. The lid can be permanentlyfixed to top 16 and employ a hinge means such that when the fastenermeans that hold the lid in place are undone, the lid will swing out ofthe way to provide access to the interior of the container, or it couldbe fully removable when the fastener means are undone. Anotheralternative would be to have a top made of flexible material whichextends continuously from top 16 and which can be bunched and closed bya drawstring device or other appropriate closure device. Still further,lid 16 could be collapsible in the same manner that the container iscollapsible. That is, the lid could be spring biased to expand whenreleased, but when collapsed and retained in that position byappropriate releasable tie-down means, the lid functions as a lid. Whenexpanded, the lid would function to provide either additional space tostore, for example, tall bottles, or store additional items, such assandwiches which are kept separate from the beverages in the interior30, or bottom, of the container.

[0027] Container volume 30 may hold liquids, either as beverage storageor as a result of the melting of ice contained therein or by othermeans. Thus, a drain 37 could be provided with an appropriated removablestopper (not shown), communicating from container volume 30 throughliner 28 to the outside of shell 12. If bottom 14 is open, a hole withinliner 28 that is selectively opened and closed could satisfy this need.If a bottom plate 22 is employed, a selectively opened and closedconduit 39 through liner 28, plate 22, and shell 12 could suffice.Indeed, the draining of liquids from container volume 30 could beachieved in many different ways.

[0028] The relationship just described between shell 12, spring 20, andliner 28 defines what is to be understood herein as the operativeposition of container 10. That is, in the operative position, container10 provides container volume 30 for storing items. The preferredembodiment of the invention, as described, is insulative and, therefore,particular items envisioned for storage and transport in container 10,particularly container volume 30, when in its operative position, areeither cold or warm items such as ice and beverages and cold food stuffsor heat packs and warm/hot beverages and food stuffs.

[0029] Handles 40 are preferably provided to make container 10 readilyportable in the operative position. Notably, collapsible containers,according to the present invention, are constructed of spring and shelland liner materials that are capable of supporting the weight of itemsintended to be placed therein. That is, when filled with items,collapsible containers, according to the present invention, may betransported by the handles without damage to spring, shell, or liner.Material choices should thus be made based upon intended use.

[0030] When not in use, container 10 can advantageously be manipulatedto a collapsed position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This collapsedposition is reached simply by countering the bias of spring 20 byforcing bottom 14 and open top 16 into close proximity. Once pressedinto the collapsed position, container 10 may be maintained in thisstreamlined, easy-to-store position by appropriate tie-downs 44, as seenin FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5, the tie-downs 44 are mating hook and loopfasteners, although the present invention is not to be limited theretoor thereby. More particularly, straps of a hook and loop fastener (e.g.,hooks 44A) are affixed to bottom 14 and extend around collapsed sidewall18 to engage a mating hook and loop strap (e.g., loops 44B) affixed tolid 36. In FIG. 6, the tie-downs 44 consist of a loop strap 44C thatcommunicates with a strap and pin 44D. More particularly, strap and pin44D is inserted through strap loop 44C and oriented such that strap loop44C is retained by strap and pin 44D to counter the bias of spring 20.Notwithstanding the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the presentinvention is not limited to these methods of retaining the collapsedposition. For example, the tie-down means could also be snap fastenermeans instead of the hook and loop fastener means, or hook-and-eyefasteners, or other similar fasteners. Further, the tie-down means couldbe achieved by having the handles be straps which are attached to bottom14 and extend past or through top 16 such that the straps could beselectively attached to top 16 to maintain the position of the top inthe collapsed position or in any intermediate position with respect tothe base between collapsed and expanded. The top is maintained in thisposition by a locking devise which can be attached to top 16 or which isattached to the handle strap, but which is movable along the length ofthe strap and can be locked into selectable position. For example, suchdevices are found on clothing to tighten the waste band of coats and arespring loaded locks which are slidable on the tightening cords. They canbe compressed to release the lock, slid into position, and released sothat the locking mechanism continues to hold them in place. Yet anothertie-down could be where the container has handles attached on two sidesof the top of the container and the handles can be held together abovethe top of the container with a hook and loop fastener. This could bestructured so that the hooks are on one handle and the loops are onanother, or the fastener could be a tab attached to one handle such thatit can be looped around the other handle and the attached to itself byhaving the hooks on one end of the tab and the loops on the other end.When the container is in the collapsed position, the handles could belooped outwardly from the container, past the sides and reattached atthe bottom to hold the container in the closed position. Anothertie-down construction could be to use “D” rings, which are attached tothe top of the container, to attach handles for the container. Then,when the container is in the collapsed position, tabs attached to thebottom of the container can be passed through the “D” rings and loopedback to attached to themselves using, e.g., hook and loop or snapfasteners. Thus, the container is restrained in the collapsed positionby the tabs placed through the “D” rings. When the tabs are released,the container will spring back to the operative position. As can beappreciated, other means and devices can be employed as tie-downs, andfor the purpose of this application, these will be referred tocollectively as tie-downs or tie-down means.

[0031] Referring now to container 100 of FIG. 7, it can be seen that thepresent invention is not limited to a container having only one sidewall18 (i.e., a cylindrical container), and further that springs of variousshapes may be provided. In FIG. 7, like parts have received likenumerals and a more expansive explanation of this embodiment is deemedsuperfluous. It should be appreciated, however, that many shapes arepossible, including box-like, other polygonal shapes, oval shapes, andthe like. Other shapes would include conical shapes, such as afrustro-conical shape where the bottom is a different size than the top.As can be appreciated, the annular top 16 is rectangular in shape, as isthe lid 36 and the spring 20 has a shape that is a rectangular helix orspiral wound rectangular shape. Further, the spring is positionedbetween the side walls 18 and the liner 28.

[0032] It should also be appreciated that collapsible containers,according to the present invention, do not necessarily have to beconstructed such that a “top” is biased away from a “bottom.” Rather, itwill be readily apparent that a spring could be provided to urge sidesof the container away from each other such that the collapsiblecontainer collapses laterally, rather than vertically, in moving fromthe operative to storage position. For instance, collapsible container10, as shown in FIG. 1, could be altered to rest on its side, with anopening provided in sidewall 18 and a removable or temporarily securablelid or cover for the opening also being provided.

[0033] It should be appreciated that, although preferred, a single,large helical or coil spring need not be employed in this invention.Rather, the collapsible function could be provided by utilizing aplurality of smaller coiled springs extending between the biased sides,within the air space provided between the shell and liner. To maintainthe structural integrity of the shell, support members would extendbetween the plurality of smaller coil springs. In other words, ratherthan providing a spring that extends around the perimeters of thecollapsible container, a multitude of springs would urge the containerinto an operative position, while support members hinged between thesesprings would provide the desired shape and structural integrity. Forinstance, the collapsible container in FIG. 7 could be provided withcoil springs at its corners, with support members extending betweenthese springs to provide the desired rectangular shape. FIG. 8 generallydepicts this concept.

[0034] In FIG. 8, which depicts an alternative embodiment of arectangular insulative container as shown in FIG. 7, like parts havereceived like numerals, and the collapsible insulative container hasreceived the numeral 200. Therein, the chief differences between theembodiment of FIG. 8 and the embodiment of FIG. 7 deal with the mannerin which the top 16 and bottom 14 are biased away from each other.Particularly, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, coil or linear springs 220extend between top 16 and bottom 14 at each of the corners ofcollapsible container 200. Support members 222 extend between these coilsprings 220 and are connected thereto by an appropriate hinge 224 thatallows support member 222 to stabilize the springs and yet pivot so asallow, and not to frustrate, the expansion and collapse of collapsiblecontainer 200. Alternatively, the springs could be contained in sleeveswhich provide lateral support, but which telescope when the container isin the operative position and collapse when the container is collapsed.For example, the sleeves and springs would be placed in each corner ofthe container and be attached to the top and bottom of the container.

[0035] In addition to not being limited as to shape, collapsibleinsulative containers, according to this invention, are not to belimited as to size. Indeed, containers ranging from large, picnic basketsizes to lunch box sizes to bottle or can holder sizes are envisioned.For example, if two containers were made with each having afrustro-conical shape, they could be combined large end to large end andwould resemble a beer keg shape. Thus, they would be useful to cover abeer keg to provide insulation, while being collapsible.

[0036] Collapsible insulative containers, according to this invention,may be fitted with other optional, desirable elements. For instance,wheels could be added to the base of a given container to increase itsportability. Along those same lines, a retractable handle could also beprovided on containers according to the present invention. For instance,retractable handles, such as those commonly found on luggage, could beemployed, especially those employed where the luggage has wheels toallow the container to be pulled when it is in its expanded position.

[0037] Suitable materials for use in the construction of collapsibleinsulative containers, according to this invention, should be evident.By way of non-limiting example, it is preferred that shell 12 be eithera polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated nylon or polyester or a wovenpolyethylene fabric. A particularly preferred shell 12 is made from acomposite fabric of polyethylene terephthalate, aluminum-coated fabric,woven polyethylene, and a polyethylene coated fabric. Such a fabricprovides excellent insulation and, notably, the aluminum-coated fabricacts as a sun block in outdoor environments. Non-limiting examples ofmaterials useful for liner 28 include polyethylene, polypropylene, andpolyvinyl chloride materials, as well as the preferred compositematerial mentioned for use as shell 12. Spring 20 can be made from anysuitable metal or polymer or other material having the resiliency to becollapsed and allowed to expand multiple times, i.e., materials thatwill essentially not loose their bias during a practical life span forthe container.

[0038] A collapsible insulative container, according to the presentinvention, was tested to compare its insulative functions against commonsoft-sided and hard-sided coolers. The collapsible insulative containerused has a shell made from a composite material of woven polyethylenefabric having an exterior aluminum film coating, and a liner made from apolyvinyl chloride material. The air space between the shell and linerdid not contain any insulation material or cold pack. The soft-sided andhard-sided coolers are those common to the art and are commerciallyavailable.

[0039] The ambient temperature at test commencement (approximately 8:00a.m.) was 70° F. in the shade. Starting at 2:00 p.m., each container wasin direct sunlight for the balance of the test. The ambient temperatureat the end of the test (approximately 4:15 p.m.) was 76° F. The testingbegan with all of the cans of soda at room temperature (approximately70° F.). Readings of the percentage of ice remaining were based onvisual approximation.

[0040] Each insulative device was filled with a dozen twelve fluid ouncesoda cans (at room temperature, approximately 70° F.) and a ten-poundbag of ice, and were placed outside, which is, notably, the environmentin which these devices would typically be employed. The ambienttemperature, at test commencement, was 70° F. in the shade. At thebeginning of the experiment, an initial temperature reading of the airwithin the holding area of each container was taken. Thereafter, thetemperature was measured every thirty minutes. This can be seen inTable 1. The air temperature was measured in the collapsible containeraccording to the present invention by inserting a thermometer into thecontainer through a small hole created by slightly unzipping the lid.Air temperature readings were taken in the same way with the soft-sidedcooler. The temperature was measured in the hard-sided cooler byinserting a thermometer into a ⅛-inch hole that as drilled through thetop of the cooler, and standard duct tape was used to cover the holewhen temperature readings were not being taken.

[0041] After approximately 4 hours, all coolers were open for oneminute, and a single can was removed, opened, and a temperature readingof the soda therein was taken. The open cans were then removed from thetest. The temperature of the soda in each experimental sample isprovided in Table 2. Each of the coolers was then closed, and testingresumed at the times indicated in Table 3, recording the temperatureswithin each cooler at intervals of thirty minutes. Testing was ended atapproximately 8 hours, and one can was removed from each cooler, opened,and a temperature reading of the soda therein was taken. The results arepresented in Table 4. TABLE 1 SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION Sample No. 1 SampleNo. 2 Sample No. 3  8:15 70°  8:20 70°  8:25 70°  8:45 60°  8:50 58° 8:55 58°  9:15 60°  9:20 58°  9:25 58°  9:45 60°  9:50 58°  9:55 58°10:15 61° 10:20 59° 10:25 59° 10:45 61° 10:50 59° 10:55 59° 11:15 62°11:20 60° 11:25 60° 11:45 62° 11:50 60° 11:50 60°

[0042] TABLE 2 Sample No. 1 Sample No. 2 Sample No. 3 Soda Temperature38° 36° 36° after five minutes % of ice remaining 50% 75% 75%

[0043] TABLE 3 Sample No. 1 Sample No. 2 Sample No. 3 TIME AIR TEMP (°F.) TIME AIR TEMP (° F.) TIME AIR TEMP (° F.) 12:30  66° 12:35  60°12:40  60° 1:00 66° 1:05 60° 1:10 62° 1:30 68° 1:35 62° 1:40 64° 2:0068° 2:05 64° 2:10 66° 2:30 74° 2:35 78° 2:40 76° 3:00 76° 3:05 80° 3:1080° 3:30 78° 3:35 94° 3:40 84° 4:00 84° 4:05 100°  4:10 88°

[0044] TABLE 4 Sample No. 1 Sample No. 2 Sample No. 3 Soda Temp. afterfive 38° 36° 36° minutes % of ice remaining  5% 25% 25%

[0045] Thus, it can be seen that the present invention is successful inproviding cooling about equal to insulated containers commerciallyavailable, while being a collapsible container.

[0046] While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best modeand preferred embodiment has been presented and described in detail, itwill be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of theinvention, reference should be made to the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible insulative container comprising: ashell comprising a top, a bottom and at least one side wall, saidcontainer being biased into an operative position by at least onespring; a liner affixed to said top and disposed within the interior ofsaid shell; a substantially sealed air space between said shell and saidliner; and a vent means for venting the air from said sealed air spacewhen the bias of said spring is countered to collapse the container fromsaid operative position to a collapsed position and fill said space whensaid container is released from said collapsed position to assume saidoperative position.
 2. The collapsible insulative container according toclaim 1, further including at least one releasable means for retain thecontainer in said collapsed position.
 3. The collapsible insulativecontainer according to claim 1, further including at least one tie-downfor retaining the container in said collapsed position.
 4. Thecollapsible insulative container according to claim 1, further includingat least one hook and loop fastener for keeping the container in saidcollapsed position.
 5. The collapsible insulative container according toclaim 1, further including insulation material retained within said airspace.
 6. The collapsible insulative container according to claim 1,wherein said top comprises an annulus attached to said at least one sidewall and a lid removably attached to said annulus.
 7. The collapsibleinsulative container according to claim 1, wherein said container has atleast one handle means.
 8. The collapsible insulative containeraccording to claim 1, wherein said shell is made from a flexiblematerial.
 9. The collapsible insulative container according to claim 1,wherein said liner is made from a flexible waterproof material.
 10. Thecollapsible insulative container according to claim 1, wherein saidspring is a spiral-wound spring.
 11. The collapsible insulativecontainer according to claim 1, wherein the spring is attached to saidside wall.
 12. The collapsible insulative container according to claim1, wherein said at least one spring follows the contours of said atleast one sidewall.
 13. The collapsible insulative container accordingto claim 1, wherein said at least one spring follows the contours ofsaid at least one sidewall and further includes a sleeve extending alongsaid at least one sidewall of said shell, said sleeve enclosing andretaining said at least one spring.
 14. The collapsible insulativecontainer according to claim 1, wherein said at least one spring is inthe space between said side wall and said liner.
 15. The collapsibleinsulative container according to claim 1, wherein said at least onespring is attached to said liner.
 16. The collapsible insulativecontainer according to claim 1, wherein said vent means is in said atleast one side wall.
 17. The collapsible insulative container accordingto claim 1, wherein said liner is attached to said top and is free tomove in said interior.
 18. The collapsible insulative containeraccording to claim 1, further including a handle means attached to saidbottom and a releasable tie-down means operative in connection with saidhandle means for selectively holding said container in said collapsedposition.
 19. The collapsible insulative container according to claim 1,wherein said collapsed position is achieved by bringing said top andsaid bottom of said shell into close proximity.
 20. The collapsibleinsulative container according to claim 1, wherein said at least onespring is attached to and extends from said bottom to said top.
 21. Thecollapsible insulative container according to claim 1, further includingtie-down means for retaining said container in said collapsed positioncomprising mating hook-and-loop fasteners, at least one of said matinghook-and-loop fasteners being affixed to said bottom of said shell andselectively engaging, when the container is in the collapsed position,another of said mating hook-and-loop fasteners affixed to said top. 22.The collapsible insulative container according to claim 1, furtherincluding a thermo electric device for selectively heating or coolingthe interior of said container.
 23. The collapsible insulative containeraccording to claim 1, further including wheel means to aid in thetransport of the collapsible insulative container.
 24. The collapsibleinsulative container according to claim 1, further including a handlemeans to aid in transport of the collapsible insulative container. 25.The collapsible insulative container according to claim 1, furtherincluding a temperature aid.
 26. The collapsible insulative containeraccording to claim 1, further including a drain.
 27. The collapsibleinsulative container according to claim 1, wherein the top is acontinuous flexible extension of said at least one side wall and isclosed by a drawstring means.
 28. The collapsible insulative containeraccording to claim 1, wherein said liner is removably affixed to saidtop by a fastener.
 29. The collapsible insulative container according toclaim 1, wherein said at least one spring comprises at least two springsin end-to-end, linear relationship.
 30. The collapsible insulativecontainer according to claim 1, wherein said at least one spring has aspiral-wound or helical shape.
 31. A collapsible insulative containercomprising: a shell including at least one sidewall, a bottom, and antop that is biased toward an operative position, wherein said top isdistanced from said bottom to provide an interior defined by said shelland the shape of the container is cube-like; at least one linear springproviding at least a portion of the bias affecting said open top, saidat least one spring being located in at least one corner of saidcontainer; at least one stabilizing means for supporting said at leastone linear spring during the collapsing and return to operative positionof said container; a liner extending from said shell into said interiorto define, in said operative position, a container volume for storingitems; and a substantially sealed air space between said shell and saidliner, wherein the bias of said at least one spring may be countered tocollapse the container from said operative position to a collapsedposition.
 32. The collapsible insulative container according to claim31, wherein said top comprises an annular opening and a lid isassociated with said top to releasably close said opening.
 33. Acollapsible insulative container comprising: a shell comprising a top, abottom and at least one side wall, said container being biased into anoperative position by a single continuous spring; a liner affixed tosaid top and disposed within the interior of said shell; and asubstantially sealed air space between said shell and said liner. 34.The collapsible insulative container of claim 33, further including ventmeans for venting the air from said sealed air space when the bias ofsaid spring is countered to collapse the container from said operativeposition to a collapsed position and fill said space when said containeris released from said collapsed position to assume said operativeposition.